

[Bible] Episode 288: Havilah Dharamraj - The Song of Songs Is More Than Biblical Bridgerton
21 snips Dec 2, 2024
Havilah Dharamraj, a biblical studies expert from the South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies, dives into the rich themes of the Song of Songs. She skillfully connects it to the prophetic texts, unveiling layers of sacred love, divine hope, and the quest for harmony. The discussion reveals how the poem subverts traditional power dynamics, offering a hopeful perspective on love amidst historical patriarchal oppression. Dharamraj emphasizes its relevance today and the potential for it to guide conversations toward a more compassionate world.
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Episode notes
Song of Songs as Wisdom Literature
- Song of Songs belongs to the wisdom literature category, alongside Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job.
- It's traditionally attributed to Solomon, supposedly written in his youth.
Jewish Interpretation and Allegory
- In the Hebrew Bible, Song of Songs is part of the Megiloth, read during festivals like Passover.
- Early Jewish interpretations viewed it allegorically, representing God's love for Israel, similar to the Exodus story.
Allegorical Readings and Tavern Songs
- The allegorical reading of Song of Songs dominated until recently.
- Rabbi Akiva banned singing it in taverns, suggesting its use in secular contexts.